Marcelo
For sheer entertainment value, Marcelo has to top the list.
His defending sometimes took a back seat in his early career. But now he has found a balance between doing the bread and butter and the scintillating forward incursions, he is the complete full back.
Jordi Alba
Has had several superb years at Barcelona after moving from Valencia in 2012.
Not quite as adventurous as Marcelo but one of the safest pairs of feet in La Liga.
Luke Shaw
Suffered an horrific injury while playing for Manchester United against PSV in the first Champions League group stage game of the 2015/16 campaign, after showing sublime form in the early weeks of the season.
But, at 21, he will become one of the best players in the world over the next few years. Pace, adventure, athleticism and fleet feet. A real gem.
Phillipe Lahm
Some would have this guy further up the list. But the fact that he currently plays in midfield means that he wouldn’t necessarily be seen as a left back.
But he is traditionally a defender and a wonderful leader. Utterly dependable.
Leighton Baines
He’s not quite as swashbuckling as some of the others on the list but few left backs in top tier football will have better stats than this guy. He’s Mr.Reliable for Everton and has a magical left foot – a wonderful set-piece taker and deliverer of the ball from wide areas.
David Alaba
The 23 year old Austrian international is having a fantastic time with Bayern Munchen as a goal scoring left back. He’s already got 40 caps and a remarkable 10 goals for Austria and is still improving.
Having won 4 Bundesliga titles and The Champions League already, Alaba could become one of the most decorated club players in football.
Cesar Azplicueta
Azpilicueta is right footed but he took the left back spot from Ashley Cole at Chelsea in 2014 and has only just started playing at right back again.
But he was majestic on the left and we simply can’t remember him making a mistake.
Ricardo Rodriguez
The 23 year old Wolfsburg left back has been making a name for himself with consistently high quality and bucaneering performances in The Bundesliga.
Another who may well find a move to an elite club irresistible.
José Luis Gayá
On of the most sought after young prospects in the game. The 20 year old is currently with Valencia but will surely attract the attention of other elite teams if his current form continues. A real natural with lovely feet.
Maxwell
We had to get at least one golden oldie in here and, at 34, Maxwell is the man.
He’s one of these defenders who doesn’t seem to know he is a defender. In fact he has often played on the wing in his long career.
Great to watch and still a top competitor.
